THIS year’s winner of Governor of the Year, Cavendish Primary School’s Alix Mann, was the only winner unable to attend the awards ceremony.

But he had a legitimate reason, as he works on oil rigs in the middle of the North Sea for two weeks at a time.

His days spent onshore between work are more often than not spent at Cavendish, where he is an “inspirational figure” for pupils of the school.

Mr Mann’s impact on the school did not go unnoticed, helping to support a second school - Knowleswood Primary - all while raising a family with two children and juggling a rather unorthodox work schedule.

As Mr Mann was unable to attend, Michelle Taylor, governor at Thorpe Primary School, who previously served on the Cavendish governing body with Mr Mann, picked up the award on his behalf.

She said: “Alix absolutely deserves this award.

“He has been a governor now for six years and happily took on another school when he was taken along for the ride by his current headteacher at Knowleswood.

“He is now on two governing bodies as well as looking after his two children who both went to Cavendish, so he has his hands full.

“He is so inspirational for the pupils at Cavendish, even for the staff as well.

“They know Alix grew up in the area, and he has come in and given talks to the children telling them about growing up in the area and that where you come from does not govern what you can do in your life.

“His story tells the students that if they work hard they can achieve and be successful.”

“His dedication and commitment is inspirational and he is much respected by staff, pupils and their parents and by the local authority.”

Highly commended for the award were Crossflatts Primary’s Leslie Gore, and Killinghall Primary’s Deborah Mills.